Polycarbonate containing compositions

ABSTRACT

Polycarbonate-containing compositions having desirable properties, such as good resistance to environmental stress cracking, are achieved using a combination of a polycarbonate polymer, a compatibilizing agent and an olefinic elastomer. The polycarbonate-containing composition may include about 40-98 weight percent of one or more carbonates polymers; about 0.1-10 weight percent of one or more compatibilizing agents; and 0.1-10 weight percent of one or more olefinic elastomers. The polycarbonate-containing compositions (e.g., polycarbonate blend compositions) preferably have good chemical resistance to medium chain triglycerides. The compositions may be employed in components, such as housings, that require resistance to cleaning fluids used in hospitals. For example, the composition may be employed in components that require resistance to hospital grade tuberculosis disinfectants.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/617,310 filed on Jun. 8, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/037,775 filed on May 19, 2016. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/037,775 is a 371 of PCT Application serialnumber PCT/EP2013/074456 filed on Nov. 22, 2013, and claims prioritytherefrom. The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/617,310,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/037,775, and International PatentApplication PCT/EP2013/074456 are each incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to polycarbonate blend compositions andparticularly to polycarbonate blend compositions having good chemicalresistance to medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and/or other fluids. Thepolycarbonate blend compositions preferably have improved chemicalresistance to MCTs and/or other fluids compared with typical carbonatepolymers, such as polycarbonates of bispenol-A.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Uncompounded polycarbonates typically have poor environmental stresscracking resistance when exposed to various fluids. Accelerated testingcan be performed by applying a strain to the polycarbonate prior toimmersing in the fluid. Improvements in the environmental stresscracking resistance of polycarbonates have been achieved with a varietyof compounding approaches. However, as described in US 2011/0098366A1(incorporated herein by reference), polycarbonates generally have poorenvironmental stress cracking resistance to triglycerides and are thusnot suitable for applications such as medical devices that may come intocontact with triglycerides; or the packaging of pharmaceuticals, orother articles, including a triglyceride component.

As such there continues to be a need for polycarbonate compositionshaving improved resistance to environmental stress cracking when exposedto triglycerides (e.g., to medium chain triglycerides). There is also aneed for polymeric materials having good resistance to disinfectantcleaners (e.g., quarternary ammonia containing disinfectant cleaners),such as cleaners employed for disinfecting surfaces from tuberculosis.There is also a need for polymeric materials having good resistance tofluids employed as oncology drug delivery fluids (such as placlitaxel),to N,N-dimethylacetamide (e.g. as employed as a solvent for Busulfex),to dimethyl sulfoxide, to etoposides such as Veepesid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Improved environmental stress cracking resistance has been achievedusing the polycarbonate compositions (i.e., polycarbonate blendcompositions) according to the teachings herein. One aspect of theinvention is directed at a composition comprising a blend of a pluralityof polymers including: from about 40 weight percent to about 98 weightpercent of one or more carbonates polymers; from about 0.1 weightpercent to about 10 weight percent of one or more compatibilizing agentincluding one or more olefins; and from about 0.1 weight percent toabout 10 weight percent of one or more olefinic elastomers; wherein theolefinic elastomer includes one or more α-olefins and the totalconcentration of the one or more α-olefins of the olefinic elastomer isfrom 95 weight percent to 100 weight percent based on the total weightof the olefinic elastomer. Preferred olefinic elastomers include two ormore α-olefins. The compatibilizing agent preferably is selected fromthe group consisting of a copolymer including or consisting essentiallyof an acrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer includingor consisting essentially of acrylic acid monomer and one or moreα-olefins, an oxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer including orconsisting essentially of one or more alkylacrylic acid monomers and oneor more α-olefins, a copolymer or terpolymer including or consistingessentially of glycidiyl methacrylate and an α-olefin, a copolymerincluding maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and a graftpolymer having a backbone including, consisting essentially of, orconsisting entirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft;wherein the functional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, anacrylic acid, an oxazoline, or a glycidyl methacrylate, or a combinationthereof. The total concentration of the olefins in the compatibilizingagent is from about 10 weight percent to less than 95 weight percentbased on the total weight of the compatibilizing agent.

Preferred compositions (i.e. polycarbonate blend compositions) arecharacterized by one or any combination of the following: thecomposition includes from about 10 weight percent to about 45 weightpercent of one or more polyesters; the concentration of the carbonatepolymer is about 70 weight percent or less; or the combinedconcentration of the polyester and the carbonate polymer is from about75 weight percent to about 98 weight percent based on the total weightof the composition. Preferred compatibilizing agent include a copolymerincluding or consisting essentially of an acrylate monomer and one ormore α-olefins, a copolymer including or consisting essentially ofacrylic acid monomer and one or more α-olefins, an oxazoline functionalolefin, a copolymer including or consisting essentially of one or morealkylacrylic acid monomers and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer orterpolymer including or consisting essentially of glycidiyl methacrylateand an α-olefin, a copolymer including maleic anhydride and one or moreα-olefins, a graft polymer (e.g., an olefin-containing graft polymer),or any combination thereof. Preferred graft copolymers have a backboneincluding, consisting essentially of, or consisting entirely of one ormore α-olefins and further include a functional graft. The functionalgraft preferably is a maleic anhydride, an acryalate, an acrylic acid,an oxazoline, or a glycidyl methacrylate. Particularly preferredcompatibilizing agents are copolymers including one or more α-olefinsand one or more alkyl acrylates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Improved environmental stress cracking resistance is achieved using oneor more engineering resins. When employing a high concentration of theengineering resin(s) (e.g., about 75 weight percent or more engineeringresin), compositions having good mechanical properties are alsoachieved. The compositions are based on carbonate polymer as the primaryengineering resin. The improvement in the environmental stress crackingresistance is predicated on the use of one or more additional componentssuch as a polyester (e.g., a polyester engineering resin), asilicon-containing rubber (such as a rubber including silicone groups),a compatibilizing agent, or an olefinic elastomer.

Carbonate Polymer

They may include combinations of two or more polymers (e.g., two or morepolycarbonates each having a different melt flow rate). The carbonatepolymer may include one or more branched polymers, one or more linearpolymers, or both.

Examples of carbonate polymers employed in the present invention includearomatic carbonate polymers such as the trityl diol carbonates describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,036; 3,036,037; 3,036,038 and 3,036,039;polycarbonates of bis(arhydroxyphenyl)-alkylidenes (also calledbisphenol-A type diols) including their aromatically and aliphaticallysubstituted derivatives such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,999,835;3,028,365 and 3,334,154; and carbonate polymers derived from otheraromatic diols such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,121. Thecarbonate polymer may be derived from (1) two or more different dihydricphenols or (2) a dihydric phenol and a glycol or an hydroxy- oracid-terminated polyester or a dibasic acid in the event a carbonatecopolymer or interpolymer rather than a homopolymer is desired. The oneor more carbonate polymers may include a blend including, or consistingof one or more of the above carbonate polymers. Additional examples ofcarbonate polymer that may be employed in the present invention includeester/carbonate copolymers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,169,121; 4,105,633; 4,156,069; 4,225,556; 4,260,731; 4,287,787;4,330,662; 4,355,150; 4,360,656; 4,374,973; and 4,388,455. Preferredcarbonate polymers include polycarbonates of bisphenol-A andderivatives, including copolycarbonates of bisphenol-A. By way offurther illustration, examples of carbonate polymers are described in EP0496258B1, incorporated herein by reference. The carbonate polymer mayinclude a carbonate polymer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,673,incorporated herein by reference. For example, such particularlypreferred carbonate polymer includes a blend of a branched polycarbonateand a linear polycarbonate. Methods for preparing carbonate polymers arewell known, for example, several suitable methods are disclosed in theaforementioned patents which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

Preferred branched chain carbonate polymers used in this invention maybe prepared by any suitable process. For example, they may be made byreacting a dihydric phenol with phosgene in the presence of a trihydricand/or tetrahydric phenol. U.S. Pat. No. 3,544,514 discloses the processdetails and this patent is incorporated herein by reference. Blowmoldable resins and their desired properties are taught in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,652,602 and 4,474,999 which are incorporated herein by reference.See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,613,869; 5,597,887; and 5,198,527, bothincorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,869, for example,describes a possible approach to the preparation of a branchedpolycarbonate, pursuant to which a melt transesterification process isemployed, along with a trifunctional branching agent (e.g.,1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane;3,3-bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindole; or both)).

The carbonate polymer preferably is present in an amount of about 40weight percent or more, more preferably about 45 weight percent or more,and most preferably about 50 weight percent or more, based on the totalweight of the plurality of polymers of the composition. The carbonatepolymer preferably is present in an amount of about 98 weight percent orless, more preferably about 96 weight percent or less, even morepreferably about 95 weight percent or less, and most preferably about 90weight percent or less, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferred carbonate polymers have a melt flow rate of about 0.5 g/10 minor more, more preferably about 1.0 g/10 min or more, even morepreferably about 2 g/10 min or more, and most preferably about 5 g/10min or more, as measured according to ISO 1133 at 300° C./1.2 kg.Preferred carbonate polymers have a melt flow rate of about 150 g/10 minor less, more preferably about 80 g/10 min or less, even more preferablyabout 55 g/10 min or less, and most preferably about 35 g/10 min orless.

The carbonate polymer preferably has a molecular weight sufficientlyhigh so that the polymer is not brittle. The carbonate polymerpreferably has a molecular weight sufficiently low so that the polymercan be easily processed (e.g., can be extruded and/or injection molded).The carbonate polymer preferably exhibits a weight average molecularweight (M_(w)) of at about 3,000 or more, more preferably about 6,000 ormore, even more preferably about 10,000 or more and most preferablyabout 15,000 or more. The carbonate polymer preferably exhibits a weightaverage molecular weight (M_(w)) of about 150,000 or less, morepreferably about 80,000 or less, even more preferably about 50,000 orless, and most preferably about 43,000 or less. “Weight averagemolecular weight” as employed herein is determined according to a liquidchromatography method by which 0.02 gram samples are prepared by mixingthe sample for at least 8 hours with 10 mL of chloroform. The mixture isthen filtered through a 0.2μ syringe filter and is analyzed by sizeexclusion chromatography (SEC). Results are analyzed against a referencematerial with a known molecular weight. Samples are characterized usingtwo mixed bed columns (e.g., available from Varian, Inc.), coupled witha ultraviolet light detector (e.g., a chromatography absorbancedetector, such as Model 757 available from Applied Biosystems). Columntemperature is kept at about 35° C. Flow rate of the sample is about 1ml/min. A tetrahydrofuran eluent is employed for providing sample sizesat about 15 μl each. The unit of measure for the molecular weight istypically daltons.

Preferred properties and characteristics of a carbonate polymer for useherein will typically include at least one or any combination of aflexural modulus (tangent) per ASTM D790-07, of about 1800 MPa or more(more preferably about 2200 MPa or more); a flexural modulus of about3000 MPa or less (more preferably about 2700 MPa or less); a temperatureof deflection under load (DTUL)(1.81 MPa) per ASTM D648-07 of about 105°C. or more (more preferably about 125° C. or more, and most preferablyabout 130° C. or more); a tensile elongation at break per ASTM D638-03(ISO 527-1) of about 80% or more (more preferably about 90% or more andmost preferably about 100% or more); a tensile elongation at break ofabout 300% or less (e.g., about 200% or less); a notched Izod impactstrength per ISO 180/A (at 23° C.) of about 20 kJ/m² or more (morepreferably about 45 kJ/m² or more and most preferably about 75 kJ/m² ormore); or a notched Izod impact strength of about 180 kJ/m² or less(e.g., about 130 kJ/m² or less).

Examples of commercially available carbonate polymers include thoseavailable from Styron LLC, or its affiliates, under the designationCALIBRE®, such as the 200 series or the 300 series (e.g., grades 300-10,301-10, or 201-10).

The weight ratio of the carbonate polymer (e.g., the carbonate ofbisphenol-A) to the compatibilizing agent (e.g., the copolymer ofethylene and ethyl acrylate) is preferably about 10 or more, morepreferably about 15 or more, even more preferably about 20 or more, andmost preferably about 30 or more. The weight ratio of the carbonatepolymer (e.g., the carbonate of bisphenol-A) to the compatibilizingagent (e.g., the copolymer of ethylene and ethyl acrylate) is preferablyabout 350 or less, more preferably about 250 or less, even morepreferably about 150 or less, and most preferably about 120 or less.When the composition employs one or more polyesters, the ratio of thetotal weight of the carbonate polymer and the polyester to the weight ofthe compatibilizing agent preferably is about 10 or more, morepreferably about 15 or more and most preferably about 30 or more. Suchcompositions preferably have a ratio of the total weight of thecarbonate polymer and the polyester to the weight of the compatibilizingagent that is about 350 or less, more preferably about 250 or less andmost preferably about 120 or less.

The weight ratio of the carbonate polymer (e.g., the carbonate ofbisphenol-A) to the olefinic elastomer (e.g., the propylene-ethylenecopolymer) is preferably about 4 or more, more preferably about 7 ormore, even more preferably about 10 or more, and most preferably about15 or more. The weight ratio of the carbonate polymer (e.g., thecarbonate of bisphenol-A) to the compatibilizing agent (e.g., thecopolymer of ethylene and ethyl acrylate) is preferably about 250 orless, more preferably about 150 or less, even more preferably about 100or less, and most preferably about 70 or less. When the compositionemploys one or more polyesters, the ratio of the total weight of thecarbonate polymer and the polyester to the weight of the compatibilizingagent preferably is about 5 or more, more preferably about 8 or more andmost preferably about 16 or more. Such compositions preferably have aratio of the total weight of the carbonate polymer and the polyester tothe weight of the compatibilizing agent that is about 250 or less, morepreferably about 150 or less and most preferably about 90 or less.

The weight ratio of the polyester to the carbonate polymer may be about0 or more, about 0.1 or more, about 0.2 or more, about 0.3 or more, orabout 0.5 or more. Preferably, the weight ratio of the polyester to thecarbonate polymer is about 3 or less, more preferably about 2 or less,even more preferably about 1.5 or less, and most preferably about 1.0 orless.

Compatibilizing Agent

The composition includes one or more compatibilizing agents suitable forimproving the compatibility between the two different polymers in thecomposition. For example, the compatibilizing agent may function byimproving the compatibility between the carbonate polymer and thesilicon containing rubber, improving the compatibility between thecarbonate polymer and the olefinic elastomer, or both. Preferredcompatibilizing agents improve the compatibility between the carbonatepolymer and the olefinic elastomer. The compatibilizing agent preferablyincludes a sufficient amount of functional monomer or other functionalgroups (e.g., grafted functional groups) so that the compatibilizingagent has relatively good compatibility with the carbonate polymer (e.g.relative to the olefinic elastomer). Preferred functional monomers andpreferred functional groups include one or more oxygen atoms, one ormore nitrogen atoms, or both.

The compatibilizing agent may include a copolymer including orconsisting essentially of an acrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins,a copolymer including or consisting essentially of acrylic acid monomerand one or more α-olefins, an oxazoline functional olefin, a copolymerincluding or consisting essentially of one or more alkylacrylic acidmonomers and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer or terpolymer includingor consisting essentially of glycidiyl methacrylate and an α-olefin, acopolymer including maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and agraft polymer having a backbone including, consisting essentially of, orconsisting entirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft;wherein the functional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acryalate, anacrylic acid, an oxazoline, or a glycidyl methacrylate.

The compatibilizing agent may include copolymers including one or moreolefins and one or more functional monomers. Examples of functionalmonomers useful for a compatibilizing agent include acrylates (e.g.,alkyl acrylates), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, glycidyl acrylates(e.g. glycidyl methacrylate), maleic anhydride, or any combinationthereof. Preferred acrylates include ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate,ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate. The one or more olefins preferablyincludes, consists essentially of, or consists entirely of one or moreα-olefins. Preferred α-olefins include 2 to 20 carbon atoms, morepreferably 2-8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 2-6 carbon atoms. Forexample, the one or more α-olefins may include ethylene, propylene,1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, or any combination thereof. Ethylene andpropylene are particularly preferred α-olefins. The concentration of theone or more olefins (e.g., the one or more α-olefins) of thecompatibilizing agent may be about 10 weight percent or more, about 20weight percent or more, about 25 weight percent or more, about 40 weightpercent or more, about 50 weight percent or more, about 60 weightpercent or more, about 70 weight percent or more, about 75 weightpercent or more, or about 78 weight percent or more, based on the totalweight of the compatibilizing agent. The concentration of the one ormore olefins (e.g., the one or more α-olefins) of the compatibilizingagent may be about 95 weight percent or less, about 93 weight percent orless, about 90 weight percent or less, or about 85 weight percent orless, based on the total weight of the compatibilizing agent. Aparticularly preferred compatibilizing agent includes one or more alkylacrylates at a concentration from about 10 to 90 weight percent and 10to 90 weight percent of one or more α-olefins. The total amount of thealkyl acrylates and the α-olefins may be about 50 weight percent ormore, about 80 weight percent or more, about 95 weight percent or more,about 98 percent or more, or even about 100 percent, based on the totalweight of the compatibilizing agent. For example, the compatibilizingagent may include, consist essentially of, or consist entirely of 70weight percent or more α-olefin (e.g., ethylene) and an alkyl acrylate(e.g. ethyl acrylate).

When the compatibilizing agent is not present, composition with even lowconcentrations of olefinic elastomer may show orange peel appearanceupon extrusion. The compatibilizing agent preferably is present at asufficient concentration so that the amount of olefinic elastomer in thecomposition may be about 0.5 weight percent or more, about 1.0 weightpercent or more, about 1.5 weight percent or more, about 2.0 weightpercent or more, or about 2.5 weight percent or more, without orangepeel appearance upon extrusion. The concentration of the compatibilizingagent preferably is sufficiently low so that phase separation of thecompatibilizing agent into large domains (e.g., 5 μm or larger) isprevented. The compatibilizing agent may be present at a concentrationof about 0.1 weight percent or more, preferably about 0.25 weightpercent or more, more preferably about 0.50 weight percent or more, evenmore preferably about 0.75 weight percent or more, and most preferablyabout 1 weight percent or more, based on the total weight of thepolymers of the polycarbonate blend composition and/or based on thetotal weight of the polycarbonate blend composition. The compatibilizingagent may be present at a concentration of about 20 weight percent orless, preferably about 15 weight percent or less, more preferably about10 weight percent or less, even more preferably about 8 weight percentor less, and most preferably about 5 weight percent or less, based onthe total weight of the polymers of the polycarbonate blend compositionand/or based on the total weight of the polycarbonate blend composition.For example, the compatibilizing agent may be present at a concentrationof 0.1 to 10 weight percent, 1.0 to 5.0 weight percent, or 2 to 4 weightpercent.

The compatibilizing agent preferably has a melting temperature of about50° C. or more, more preferably about 60° C. or more, and mostpreferably about 70° C. or more. The compatibilizing agent preferablyhas a melting temperature less than the melting temperature of thecarbonate polymer. Preferably, the melting temperature of thecompatibilizing agent is about 200° C. or less, more preferably about150° C. or less, even more preferably about 130° C. or less, and mostpreferably about 110° C. or less. The melting temperature of thecompatibilizing agent may be measured using differential scanningcalorimetry.

The compatibilizing agent may have a melt flow rate of about 0.1 ormore, about 0.5 or more, about 2 or more, or about 5 or more. Thecompatibilizing agent may have a melt flow rate of about 1000 or less,about 100 or less, about 40 or less, or about 30 or less. The melt flowrate may be measured according to ASTM D1238. It will be appreciatedthat the conditions for measuring the melt flow rate will depend on thecomposition of the compatibilizing agent. For example, for acompatibilizing agent including 50 wt. % or more ethylene, the melt flowrate will be measured at 190° C./2.16 kg. For a compatibilizingincluding 50 wt. % or more propylene, the melt flow rate will bemeasured at 230° C./2.16 kg.

Preferably, the composition is substantially free of, or entirely freeof compatilizing agent that is a graft copolymer. If employed, theamount of any compatibilizing graft copolymer preferably is about 3weight percent or less, more preferably about 2 weight percent or less,even more preferably about 1 weight percent or less, based on the totalweight of the compatibilizing graft copolymer and the carbonate polymer.

Olefinic Elastomer

The olefinic elastomer surprisingly results in improved chemicalresistance (e.g., resistance to MCT's) when used in compositionsincluding one or more polycarbonate polymers. The olefinic elastomerpreferably is a flexible material at room temperature. Such materialstypically have low crystallinity at ambient conditions. The olefinicelastomer preferably has sufficiently low crystallinity so that internalstresses are reduced or minimized when the composition is cooled from amolten state, such as during a step of forming a part from thecomposition. The olefinic elastomer may be entirely amorphous or mayhave some crystallinity at ambient conditions. Preferably, the olefinicelastomer has sufficient crystallinity so that the neat olefinicelastomer can be formed into free flowing pellets. A desiredcrystallinity of the olefinic elastomer may be achieved by any art knownmeans. For example, the olefinic elastomer may be a homopolymer, or acopolymer (e.g., a random copolymer) including, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting entirely of two or more α-olefins. Preferredcopolymers include a primary monomer and one or more secondary monomers,where the concentration of the primary monomer is selected to achievethe desired crystallinity. Such copolymers (e.g., random copolymer) maybe polymerized by any art known process. It will be appreciated that theamount of the primary monomer may depend on the polymerization process(e.g., due to some polymerization processes to result in a more randomdistribution of the monomers than other processes). Preferred processfor preparing a random copolymer include process that employ a catalystcharacterized as a single site catalyst and/or characterized as ametallocene catalyst.

The olefinic elastomer preferably is selected so that it has acrystallinity similar to the crystallinity of the compatibilizing agent.The absolute value of the difference between the crystallinity of theolefinic elastomer and the compatibilizing agent, ΔX_(c), preferably isabout 25% or less, more preferably about 15% or less, even morepreferably about 10% or less, even more preferably about 5% or less, andmost preferably about 3% or less. For example, a compatibilizing agenthaving a crystallinity of 15% and a olefinic elastomer having acrystallinity of 20% would have ΔX_(c)=5%. The compatibilizing agent andthe olefinic elastomer may have the same or different crystallinity. Thecrystal structure of the compatibilizing agent may be the same ordifferent from the crystal structure of the olefinic elastomer. By wayof example, the olefinic elastomer may have a crystal structure from thepropylene repeating units and the compatibilizing agent may have acrystal structure from ethylene repeating units. As another example,both the olefinic elastomer and the compatibilizing agent may havecrystal structures characteristic of ethylene repeating units.

Suitable olefinic elastomers include olefinic block copolymers includinghard blocks having relatively high crystallinity and soft blocks thathave a crystallinity less than the crystallinity of the hard blocks.

Olefinic block copolymers may be prepared using a process thatsequentially polymerizes two or more blocks (e.g., a hard block and thena soft block). The hard block typically includes a high concentration ofa primary monomer arranged in a structure such that the hard blocks hassufficient crystallinity so that the neat olefinic block copolymer canbe stored as pellets without the pellets agglomerating (e.g., undertypical storage conditions for polyolefin thermoplastics). The hardblocks and the soft blocks may include essentially the same compositionof monomers, or may include different monomer compositions. For example,an olefinic block copolymer may include blocks having (or consistingessentially of, or consisting entirely of) a primary monomer of anα-olefin (e.g., propylene) where the hard blocks include the α-olefinmonomer arranged in a relatively high isotactic configuration and thesoft block include the α-olefin arranged in a less isotacticconfiguration (e.g., in an atactic configuration). As another example,an olefinic block copolymer may include a hard block having a relativelyhigh concentration of a primary monomer (e.g., consisting essentiallyof, or consisting entirely of the primary monomer) and the soft blockmay have a relatively low concentration of the primary monomer (e.g., asufficiently low concentration of the primary monomer so that thecrystallinity of the soft block is reduced or eliminated). An olefinicblock copolymer may be prepared by any method known in the art. Forexample, the olefinic block copolymer may be prepared using a processthat employs a plurality of catalysts having different catalyst sites ora catalyst having different catalyst sites, where one catalyst site isemployed for polymerizing a hard block and the second site is employedfor polymerizing a soft block. Such a process preferably employs anagent suitable for stopping a step of polymerization at one catalystsite so that the polymer may continue polymerizing in a second step ofpolymerization at a different catalyst site. Preferred olefinic blockcopolymers include an average of two or more hard blocks (e.g., three ormore hard blocks) and an average of one or more (e.g., two or more, orthree or more) soft blocks per polymer molecule.

Preferred olefinic elastomers include an olefinic block copolymer (e.g.,a lower-α-olefin/α-olefin interpolymer such as an ethylene/α-olefininterpolymer or an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer), a substantiallylinear or linear ethylene polymer (“S/LEP”), a propylene elastomer, orany combination thereof.

The olefinic elastomer preferably has one or more solid to liquid phasetransitions at a temperature above about 40° C. For example, theolefinic elastomer may be a semi-crystalline polymer having a meltingtemperature. Preferred olefinic elastomers have a melting temperature ofabout 50° C. or more, or about 60° C. or more. The olefinic elastomermay have a melting temperature of about 170° C. or less, about 140° C.or less, about 100° C. or less, or about 85° C. or less. Meltingtemperature of the olefinic elastomer may is measured by differentialscanning calorimetry at a heating rate of about 10° C./min on a samplewhich has been cooled from about 220° C. to about 0° C. at a rate ofabout 10° C./min and is taken as the peak melting temperature.

The olefinic elastomer is characterized by a low glass transitiontemperature (e.g., about 10° C. or less, about −10° C. or less, or about−30° C. or less). Typically the glass transition temperature is about−100° C. or more (e.g., about −60° C. or more). The olefinic elastomeris relatively flexible at room temperature (e.g., compared with thecarbonate polymer and/or the polyester, such as measured by flexuralmodulus according to ISO 178 at 2 mm/min). The olefinic elastomer mayhave a crystallinity greater than about 2%, preferably greater thanabout 3%, more preferably greater than about 5%, and most preferablygreater than about 7% (e.g., greater than about 10%) by weight. Thesecond olefinic elastomer may have a crystallinity less than about 44%,preferably less than about 40%, more preferably less than about 35% andmost preferably less than about 30% (e.g., less than about 20%) byweight. For example, the olefinic elastomer may have a crystallinityfrom about 2% to about 44%, preferably from about 2% to about 40%, morepreferably from about 5% to about 35% and most preferably from about 7%to about 30% (e.g., from about 10% to about 20%) by weight.Crystallinity of the olefinic elastomer may is measured by differentialscanning calorimetry at a heating rate of about 10° C./min on a samplewhich has been cooled from about 220° C. to about 0° C. at a rate ofabout 10° C./min.

The olefinic elastomer may be present in the amount of about 0.1 wt. %or more, preferably about 1 wt. % or more, and more preferably about 1.5wt. % or more, and most preferably about 2.0 wt. % or more, based on thetotal weight of the composition. The olefinic elastomer may be presentin the amount of about 10 wt. % or less, preferably about 7.5 wt. % orless, more preferably about 6.0 wt. % or less, and most preferably about5.0 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferred olefinic elastomers include, consist essentially of, orconsist entirely of one or more α-olefins. The concentration of the oneor more α-olefins in the olefinic elastomer may be about 80 weightpercent or more, preferably about 95 wt. % or more, more preferablyabout 97 wt. % or more and most preferably about 99 wt. % or more, basedon the total weight of the olefinic elastomer. The total weight of theone or more α-olefins in the olefinic elastomer may be about 100 wt. %or less, or about 99.5 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of theolfenic elastomer. Particularly preferred olefinic elastomers consistentirely of the one or more α-olefins. By way of example, the olefinelastomer may include two α-olefins (e.g., ethylene and propylene,ethylene and butene, ethylene and hexene, ethylene and octene, propyleneand butene, propylene and hexene, or propylene and octene) wherein thetotal concentration of the two α-olefins is 80 weight percent or more,95 weight percent or more, 97 weight percent or more, or 99 weightpercent or more, based on the total weight of the olefinic elastomer.The one or more α-olefins preferably includes a primary α-olefin havinga concentration of about 50 mole percent or more, based on the totalnumber of monomer units in the olefinic elastomer, and preferably abouta concentration of 50 weight percent or more, based on the total weightof the olefinic elastomer. The primary α-olefin preferably is selectedfrom the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, butene, hexene andoctene. More preferably the primary α-olefin is ethylene or propylene.Preferred olefinic elastomers having a primary α-olefin of ethylenetypically have crystals characteristic of polyethylene. Preferredolefinic elastomers having a primary α-olefin of propylene typicallyhave crystals characteristic of polypropylene.

The olefinic elastomer may employ one or more α-olefin softthermoplastics (e.g. α-olefin elastomers), such as one or more linearethylene copolymers (also known as “LEPs”), one or more substantiallylinear ethylene copolymers (also known as “SLEPs”), or both. As usedherein, “S/LEPs” typically include LEPs and/or SEPs. Substantiallylinear ethylene copolymers and linear ethylene copolymers and theirmethod of preparation are fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,236;and 5,278,272, which are fully incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes. Preferred S/LEPs include, consist essentially of, or consistentirely of two or more α-olefins. Such polymers include a primaryα-olefin having a concentration of about 50 weight percent or more,based on the total weight of the S/LEP. Preferred S/LEPs have a primaryα-olefins of ethylene and one or more secondary α-olefins. Preferredsecondary α-olefins are commoners selected from the group consisting ofbutene, hexene, and octene. For example, the S/LEP may include, consistessentially of, or consist entirely of ethylene, butene, hexene, andoctene. Particularly preferred S/LEPs include ethylene and octene, andmore preferably consist essentially or consist entirely of ethylene andoctene. Preferred S/LEPs include the primary α-olefin at a concentrationof about 80 wt. % or less, more preferably about 75 wt. % or less, andmost preferably about 70 wt. % or less. The concentration of the primaryα-olefin may be selected so that the olefinic elastomer has a desiredcrystallinity, such as a crystallinity according to the teachingsherein. By way of example, the S/LEP may have a crystallinity from about2% to about 14%, from about 3% to about 11%, or from about 4% to about9%.

S/LEPs for use in the olefinic elastomer generally have a density ofbetween about 0.8 to about 0.9 g/cm³ (e.g., from about 0.855 to about0.895 g/cm³) as measured according to ASTM D 792-00. Suitable S/LEPs mayhave a density of at least 0.850, preferably at least 0.855, morepreferably at least 0.860, most preferably at least 0.867 g/cm³. Thedensity of the S/LEP may be less than about 0.908, preferably less thanabout 0.900, more preferably less than about 0.890, and most preferablyless than about 0.880 g/cm³. Densities are determined as measured byASTM D 792-00. Suitable S/LEPs may be characterized by a melt index asmeasured according to ASTM D-1238-04 (at 190° C., 2.16 kg) of at leastabout 0.2, preferably at least about 0.5, more preferably at least about1.0, and still more preferably at least about 5 g/10 min. The melt indexalso may be about 600 g/10 min or less, preferably about 150 g/10 min orless, more preferably about 80 g/10 min or less, and most preferablyabout 60 g/10 min or less.

The olefinic elastomer may include or consist essentially of apolypropylene elastomer. Suitable polypropylene elastomers may containpropylene monomer at a concentration greater than about 50 wt. %,preferably greater than about 65 wt. %, more preferably greater thanabout 70 wt. %, and most preferably greater than about 80 wt. % (e.g.,at least 85 wt. %) based on the weight of the polypropylene elastomer.The polypropylene elastomer may also contain one or more additionalC₂₋₁₂ α-olefin comonomers (e.g., a comonomer including ethylene, orconsisting of ethylene, or including butene, or consisting of butene) ata concentration greater than about 5 wt. %, preferably greater thanabout 7 wt. %, more preferably greater than about 9 wt. %, and mostpreferably greater than about 12 wt. % based on the total weight of thepolypropylene elastomer. For example, the comonomer content may rangefrom about 5 to about 40 percent by weight of the polypropyleneelastomer composition, more preferably from about 7 to about 30 percentby weight of the polypropylene elastomer composition, and still morepreferably from about 9 to about 15 percent by weight of thepolypropylene elastomer composition. The polypropylene elastomerpreferably is semi-crystalline, having a crystallinity according to theteachings herein. Suitable polypropylene elastomers may have a meltingtemperature of about 130° C. or less, preferably about 115° C. or less,and most preferably about 100° C. or less, as measured by differentialscanning calorimetry at a heating rate of about 10° C./min on a samplewhich has been cooled from about 220° C. to about 0° C. at a rate ofabout 10° C./min.

The propylene elastomer preferably is a comonomer including orconsisting of a primary monomer of propylene and one or more comonomersselected from the group consisting of ethylene, butene, hexene, andoctene. For example, the propylene elastomer may be a copolymer ofpropylene and ethylene, butene, or octene. Most preferably the propyleneelastomer includes or consists essentially of propylene with ethylene,butene, or both.

The polypropylene elastomer may exhibit a Shore A hardness (i.e.,durometer) as measured according to ASTM D 2240-05 of at least about 40,more preferably at least about 50, still more preferably at least about65. The Shore A hardness may also be less than about 97, preferably lessthan about 95, more preferably less than about 92, still more preferablyless than about 85 (e.g., less than about 80). For example, thepolypropylene elastomer may have a Shore A hardness from about 40 toabout 97, more preferably from about 50 to about 95, and still morepreferably from about 65 to about 95 Shore A. Suitable polypropyleneelastomer may have a melt flow rate as measured according to ASTM D1238at 230° C./2.16 kg of at least 0.5, preferably at least about 1, morepreferably at least about 3, and most preferably at least about 5 g/10min. Without limitation, the propylene elastomers suitable for thepolymeric composition may have a melt flow rate of less than about 1500,preferably less than about 150, more preferably less than about 100, andmost preferably less than about 60 g/10 min. It is preferred that thepolypropylene elastomer exhibit at least some crystallinity. Forexample, the crystallinity may be at least about 2, preferably at leastabout 5, and still more preferably at least about 7 percent by weight ofthe polypropylene elastomer material. Without limitation, suitablepolypropylene elastomers may have a crystallinity less than about 50 wt.%. For example, the crystallinity of the propylene elastomer may be lessabout 40, preferably less than about 35, more preferably less than about28, and still more preferably less than about 20 percent by weight ofthe polypropylene elastomer material. In general, suitable propyleneelastomer may have a crystallinity from about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. %.For example, the crystallinity may range from about 2 to about 40, morepreferably from about 5 to about 35, and still more preferably about 7to about 20 percent by weight of the polypropylene elastomer material.

If the propylene elastomer is a copolymer of propylene and ethylene(i.e, the comonomer is ethylene) then it will be appreciated from theabove that the resulting preferred overall compositions (i.e., thepolymeric composition) which include a propylene elastomer willtherefore have an ethylene content (i.e. a total ethylene content). Forexample, in one aspect the overall ethylene content in the finalresulting composition may be greater than about 2 percent by weight ofthe overall resulting composition, preferably greater than about 3percent by weight of the overall resulting composition, and morepreferably greater than about 4 percent by weight of the overallresulting composition. In this aspect of the invention. It is generallyexpected however that the total concentration of ethylene in the overallresulting composition will be less than about 35 percent by weight ofthe overall composition, preferably less than about 25 percent by weightof the overall composition, more preferably less than about 20 percentby weight of the overall composition, and still more preferably lessthan about 10 percent by weight of the overall resulting composition. Ifthe propylene elastomer is a copolymer of propylene and a C₄-C₁₂α-olefin (e.g., butene, hexane, or octene), then it will be appreciatedfrom the above that the resulting preferred overall compositions (i.e.,the polymeric composition) which include a propylene elastomer willtherefore have a total C₄-C₁₂ α-olefin. For example, in one aspect theoverall C₄-C₁₂ α-olefin content in the final resulting composition maybe greater than about 2 percent by weight of the overall resultingcomposition, preferably greater than about 3 percent by weight of theoverall resulting composition, and more preferably greater than about 4percent by weight of the overall resulting composition. In this aspectof the invention. It is generally expected however that the totalconcentration of C₄-C₁₂ α-olefin in the overall resulting compositionwill be less than about 35 percent by weight of the overall composition,preferably less than about 25 percent by weight of the overallcomposition, more preferably less than about 20 percent by weight of theoverall composition, and still more preferably less than about 10percent by weight of the overall resulting composition.

Without limitation, suitable propylene elastomers that may be employedin accordance with the present teachings include those disclosed inInternational Patent Application Publication No. WO 03/040201 A1 filedon May 6, 2002, published US Patent Application No. 2003/0204017 filedon May 5, 2002, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,157 issued on Feb. 25, 2003, allof which are incorporated by reference. For example, the propyleneelastomer may be a low elasticity α-olefin-propylene copolymer, such asa low elasticity ethylene-propylene copolymer (i.e., an LEEP copolymers)taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,157 issued on Feb. 25, 2003, incorporatedherein by reference. Such an LEEP, as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,525,157 issued on Feb. 25, 2003 from column 2, line 15 to column 3,line 54 may be (LEEP) copolymers that when produced in the presence of ametallocene catalyst and an activator, in a single steady state reactor,show a surprising and unexpected balance of flexural modulus, tensilestrength and elasticity. Moreover, these and other properties of the(LEEP) copolymers show surprising differences relative to conventionalpolymer blends, such as blends of isotactic polypropylene andethylene-propylene copolymers. In one embodiment, the (LEEP) copolymerincludes from a lower limit of 5% or 6% or 8% or 10% by weight to anupper limit of 20% or 25% by weight ethylene-derived units, and from alower limit of 75% or 80% by weight to an upper limit of 95% or 94% or92% or 90% by weight propylene-derived units, the percentages by weightbased on the total weight of propylene- and ethylene-derived units. Thecopolymer is substantially free of diene-derived units.

Another example of a propylene elastomer which may be used is aregion-error containing propylene-ethylene copolymer (i.e., a R-EPEcopolymer) as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2003/0204017 (published Oct. 30, 2003).

As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0204017(published Oct. 30, 2003) paragraph [0006], the R-EPE copolymers may becharacterized as comprising at least about 60 weight percent (wt %) ofunits derived from propylene, about 0.1-35 wt % of units derived fromethylene, and 0 to about 35 wt % of units derived from one or moreunsaturated comonomers, with the proviso that the combined weightpercent of units derived from ethylene and the unsaturated comonomerdoes not exceed about 40. These copolymers are also characterized ashaving at least one of the following properties: (i) ¹³C NMR peakscorresponding to a regio-error at about 14.6 and about 15.7 ppm, thepeaks of about equal intensity, (ii) a B-value greater than about 1.4when the comonomer content, i.e., the units derived from ethylene and/orthe unsaturated comonomer(s), of the copolymer is at least about 3 wt %,(iii) a skewness index, S_(ix), greater than about −1.20, (iv) a DSCcurve with a T_(me) that remains essentially the same and a T_(max) thatdecreases as the amount of comonomer, i.e., the units derived fromethylene and/or the unsaturated comonomer(s), in the copolymer isincreased, and (v) an X-ray diffraction pattern that reports moregamma-form crystals than a comparable copolymer prepared with aZiegler-Natta (Z-N) catalyst. Typically the copolymers of thisembodiment are characterized by at least two, preferably at least three,more preferably at least four, and even more preferably all five, ofthese properties.

The olefinic elastomer may include an olefinic block copolymer. Such ablock copolymer may be characterized as a multi-block polymer having aplurality of blocks, including a hard block having a relatively highcrystallinity and a soft block having a crystallinity lower than thehard block. The multi-block polymer (e.g., the multi-block olefenicpolymer) may be a homopolymer including essentially one (e.g., one)α-olefin monomer or copolymer including two α-olefin monomers aterpolymer including three or more monomers (which typically contain atleast two monomers that are α-olefins and may even contain threeα-olefins) or may contain four or more of α-olefin monomers. Amulti-block homopolymer may contain hard and soft blocks having the samemonomer, the differences in the blocks being the regularity of themonomers (e.g., the hard block may have monomers which are moreregularly oriented than the soft block, so that the hard block has ahigher crystallinity). An olefinic block copolymer may contain blockshaving different concentrations of monomers. For example, an olefinicblock copolymer may have one or more hard blocks which contains a highconcentration (e.g., greater than about 80 wt. %, preferably greaterthan about 90 wt. %, more preferably greater than about 95 wt. %, andmost preferably greater than about 99 wt. %, or even 100 wt. % of theolefinic block copolymer) of a first α-olefinic monomer and a lowconcentration of a second α-olefin monomer and one or more soft blockswhich contain a concentration of the first α-olefin which is lower thanthe in the one or more hard blocks. Preferably the first α-olefin is alower α-olefin (LOA) which is ethylene or propylene, such that theolefinic block copolymer is a LOA/α-olefin interpolymer. Withoutlimitation, the olefinic block copolymer may be an ethylene/α-olefininterpolymer or a propylene/α-olefin interpolymer. Examples ofLOA/α-olefin interpolymer which may be used in the second polymericcomponent are described in PCT International Patent Publication Nos.WO2006/102155A2 (filed Mar. 15, 2006), WO2006/101966A1 (filed Mar. 15,2006), and WO2006101932A2 (filed Mar. 15, 2006), all of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference in there entirety.

The olefinic elastomer may include an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers.Such interpolymers may include ethylene and one or more copolymerizableα-olefin comonomers in polymerized form, characterized by multipleblocks or segments of two or more polymerized monomer units differing inchemical or physical properties (block interpolymer), preferably amulti-block copolymer. Without limitation, exemplary ethylene/α-olefininterpolymers suitable for use in the polymeric composition of theinvention may be characterized by a melting point, Tm, which is higherthan the melting point of a random copolymer having the same density, d.For example, the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers may have at least onemelting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius and density, d, in grams/cubiccentimeter, wherein the numerical values of the variables correspond tothe relationship: Tm≥1000(d)−800, and preferablyTm≥−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)², and more preferablyTm≥−6288.1+13141(d)−6720.3(d)², and most preferablyTm≥858.91−1825.3(d)+1112.8(d)². Preferably, the ethylene/α-olefininterpolymers suitable for use in the polymeric composition of theinvention have a Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5 and at least onemelting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius and density, d, in grams/cubiccentimeter, wherein the numerical values of the variables correspond tothe relationship: Tm≥1000(d)−800, and preferablyTm>−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)², and more preferablyTm≥−6288.1+13141(d)−6720.3(d)², and most preferablyTm≥858.91−1825.3(d)+1112.8(d)².

Examples of olefinic elastomers that may be employed include ENGAGE™polyolefin elastomers (commercially available from DOW CHEMICAL CO.),VERSIFY™ polyolefin plastomers and polyolefin elastomers (commerciallyavailable from DOW CHEMICAL CO.), AFFINITY™ polyolefin elastomers(commercially available from DOW CHEMICAL CO.), INFUSE™ olefin blockcopolymers (commercially available from DOW CHEMICAL CO.), EXACT™plastomer (commercially available from EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO.), andVISTAMAXX™ propylene-based elastomers (commercially available fromEXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO.).

Polyester

Preferred compositions include one or more polyesters. When used in acomposition in combination with the carbonate polymer, olefinicelastomer, and combatibilizing agent (and preferably further including asilicon rubber), the use of a polyester may further improve the chemicalresistance of the composition (e.g., resistance to medium chaintriglycerides). The polyester may be a homopolymer or a copolymer.Suitable polyesters are semi-crystalline and have a crystallinitygreater than about 3%. Preferred polyesters have a crystallinity ofabout 80% or less, more preferably about 60% or less, and mostpreferably about 40% or less.

Preferred polyesters are based on terephthalic acid. The polyester maybe a polymerization reaction product of terephthalic acid and an alkylglycol, such as ethylene glycol or butylenes glycol. The acid used forthe polymerization may include terephthalic acid, may consistsubstantially of terephthalic acid, or may consist entirely ofterephthalic acid. For example, the polyester may include a mixture oftwo or more acids (e.g., two or more diacids), such as a mixture ofterephthalic acid and isophthalic acid. If employed in combination withterepthalic acid, the concentration of isophtahlic acid preferably isabout 40 mole % or less, more preferably about 10 mole % or less, andmost preferably about 3 mole % or less, based on the total amount ofacid in the polyester. The amount of isophthalic acid may be about mole% or more, about 0.3 mole % or more, about 0.6 mole % or more, or about1.0 mole % or more, based on the total amount of acid in the polyester.Without limitation the polyester may include, consist essentially of, orconsist entirely of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutyleneterephthalate, or both. Preferably the polyester includes, consistsessentially of, or consists entirely of polyethylene terephthalate. Thepolyester (e.g., the polyethylene terephthalate and/or the polybutyleneterephthalate) may be a homopolymer or copolymer. Preferred copolymersinclude two or more acids, include two or more alcohols, or both. Thepolyester preferably includes about 60 mole % or more, more preferablyabout 90 mole % or more, even more preferably about 97 mole % or moreterephthalic acid, based on the total number of diacid in the polyester.The polyester may includes about 100% or less, about 99.7% or less,about 99.4% or less, or about 99.0% or less terephthalic acid, based onthe total number of diacids in the polyester. Preferred polyethyleneterephthalates include about 80 mole % or more, about 90 mole % or more,or about 97 mole % or more ethylene glycol, based on the total number ofdialcohols in the polyethylene terephthalate. Such polymers may includea concentration of ethylene glycol of about 100 mole % or less, about 99mole % or less, or about 98 mole % or less.

Preferred polyesters (e.g., preferred polyethylene terephthalates) havean intrinsic viscosity of about 0.5 or more, more preferably about 0.6or more, even more preferably about 0.65 or more, and most preferablyabout 0.70 or more. Preferred polyesters (e.g., preferred polyethyleneterephthalates) have an intrinsic viscosity of about 1.5 or less, morepreferably about 1.0 or less, even more preferably about 0.95 or less,and most preferably about 0.92 or less. The intrinsic viscosity of thepolyester may be measured in 1% solution in dichloroacetic acid.Preferred polyesters (e.g., preferred polyethylene terephthalates) havea concentration of carboxylic acid end groups of about 300 meq/kg orless, more preferably about 100 meq/kg or less, and most preferablyabout 40 meq/kg or less. The amount of carboxylic acid end groups may beabout 0 meq/kg or more, about 10 meq/kg or more, or about 20 meq/kg ormore. The concentration of carboxylic acid end groups may be determinedusing potentiometric titration in o/m cresol. The concentration ofdiethylene glycol in the polyester preferably is about 4 wt. % or less,more preferably about 2 wt. % or less, and most preferably about 1 wt. %or less, based on the total weight of the polyester. The concentrationof diethylene glycol in the polyester may be about 0 wt. % or more,about 0.1 wt. % or more, about 0.3 wt. % or more, or about 0.4 wt. % ormore, based on the total weight of the polyester.

Preferred compositions include one or more polyesters. The concentrationof the polyester (e.g., the concentration of the polyethyleneterephthalate) preferably is about 10 weight percent or more, morepreferably about 20 weight percent or more, even more preferably about25 weight percent or more, and most preferably about 30 weight percentor more, based on the total weight of the composition. The concentrationof the polyester (e.g., the concentration of polyethylene terephthalate)preferably is about 45 weight percent or less, more preferably about 40weight percent or less, based on the total weight of the composition.

The composition preferably includes a high concentration of thecarbonate polymer relative to the concentration of the polyester. Forexample, the ratio of the carbonate polymer to the polyester may beabout 1.0 or more, preferably about 1.2 or more, and more preferablyabout 1.4 or more.

The one or more polyesters may optionally include polybutyleneterephthalate. If employed, the amount of polybutylene terephthalatepreferably is about 10 weight percent or less, more preferably about 5weight percent or less, even more preferably about 3 weight percent orless, and most preferably about 1 weight percent or less, based on thetotal weight of the composition. The amount of polybutylene terepthalatemay be about 0 weight percent or more, or about 0.5 weight percent ormore, based on the total weight of the composition. It will beappreciated that the composition may be substantially free of, or evenentirely free of polybutylene terephthalate.

The total concentration of the polycarbonate and the polyesterpreferably is about 40 weight percent or more, more preferably about 50weight percent or more, even more preferably about 75 weight percent ormore, even more preferably about 80 weight percent or more, and mostpreferably about 85 weight percent or more, based on the total weight ofthe polymer in the polycarbonate blend composition and/or based on thetotal weight of the polycarbonate blend composition. The totalconcentration of the polycarbonate and the polyester preferably is 98weight percent or less, more preferably about 97 weight percent or less,even more preferably about 96 weight percent or less, and mostpreferably about 95 weight percent or less, based on the total weight ofthe polymer in the polycarbonate blend composition and/or based on thetotal weight of the polycarbonate blend composition.

An example of a commercially available polyester according to theteachings herein is TRAYTUF® 8906 brand polyester resin which is apolyethylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.89dl/g and a melting temperature of about 254° C. and available from M&GPolymers USA, LLC. Other examples of commercially available polyestersuseful according to the teachings herein include PET T49H polyethyleneterephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.85, PET F024polyethylene terephthalate having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.90,and PET F019 having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.89, allcommercially available from INVISTA RESINS & FIBERS GMBH.

Silicon-Containing Rubber

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the composition includes one ormore silicon-containing rubbers (i.e., a rubber containing siliconatoms). Preferred silicon-containing rubbers include silicone rubbers,such as silicone rubbers having one or more siloxanes. The siliconerubber may have a backbone include, consists essentially of, orconsisting entirely of one or more siloxane groups having the followingstructure: —(SiR¹R²-0)-, where R¹ and R² are each independently selectedfrom the group consisting of an alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms,hydrogen, and an aryl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. The siliconerubber may be include one or more grafts. Preferred grafts includemonomers, oligomers, or polymers capable of: reducing the surfacetension between the silicone rubber and the carbonate polymer; reducingthe surface tension between the silicone rubber and the polyester;reacting with the carbonate polymer; reacting with the polyester; or anycombination thereof. For example, the silicone rubber may be asilicone-acrylic rubber, such as a core-shell polymer including asilicone core and an acrylic shell. By way of example, suitablesilicone-acrylic rubbers commercially available from Mitsubishi Rayonunder the name METABLEN S (e.g., METABLEN S2200).

Preferred compositions include a silicon-containing rubber (e.g., asilicone-acrylic rubber) at a concentration of about 0.1 weight percentor more, more preferably about 1 weight percent or more, even morepreferably about 2 weight percent or more, and most preferably about 4weight percent or more, based on the total weight of the composition.The amount of the silicon-containing rubber typically is limited due todiscoloration and/or cost considerations. The composition preferablyincludes the silicon-containing rubber (e.g., the silicone-acrylicrubber) at a concentration of about 20 weight percent or less, morepreferably about 15 weight percent or less, and most preferably about 12weight percent or less.

Additives

The polymeric blend compositions herein may further include any of avariety of art-disclosed additives. By way of example, it is possible toinclude one or any combination of lubricants, mold release, stabilizers(e.g., anti-oxidants, thermal stabilizers, light (e.g., IR, UV or both)stabilizers or any combination thereof), dyes, pigments, process aids,flame retardants, organic or inorganic fillers or fibers, plasticizers,or the like, in their respective art-disclosed quantities. Preferably,the polymeric blend compositions will include a lubricant, a stabilizer,or both. Preferred additives include those carbonate polymer containingcompositions (e.g., compositions including about 80 weight percent ormore polycarbonate) and those employed in polyester polymer compositions(e.g., compositions including about 80 weight percent or morepolyethylene terephthalate). Preferably, the amount of the additiveshould be sufficient to provide the intended effect. By way of example,the amount of antioxidant should be sufficient to prevent or reduceoxidation during processing the composition into at least a portion ofan article and/or during the life cycle of the article.

Examples of additives include commercially available stabilizersavailable from BASF Chemical Co, such as IRGANOX® antioxidants andIRGAFOS® process stabilizers, and UVINUL® light stabilizers,Particularly preferred additives include IRGANOX® 1076 (CAS No.2082-79-3; Octadecyl 3,5-di(tert)-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) andUVINUL® 3030 (CAS NO. 178671-58-4; Pentaerythritoltetrakis(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate).

Preferred concentration of the additives is about 0.05 wt. % or more(e.g., about 0.10 wt. % or more, or about 0.15 wt. % or more). Theconcentration of the additive preferably is about 10 wt. % or less,about 4 wt. % or less, or about 1 wt. % or less).

The composition according to the teachings herein preferably consistessentially of or consist entirely of the carbonate polymer, thecompatibilizing agent, the olefinic elastomer, any polyester, anysilicone elastomer, any additives, and any fillers. For example thetotal concentration of the carbonate polymer, the compatibilizing agent,the olefinic elastomer, any polyester, any silicone elastomer, anyadditives, and any fillers preferably is about 90 weight percent ormore, more preferably 95 weight percent or more, and most preferably 98weight percent or more, or even about 100 weight percent, based on thetotal weight of the composition.

The compositions according to the teachings herein may be employed inarticles, components and devices that may contact triglycerides (e.g.,medium chain triglycerides), such as medical devices, and/or materialsthat include triglycerides. For example, the compositions may beemployed in storing, manufacture, or use of pharmaceuticals containingsuch triglycerides.

Preferred compositions are substantially free of, or entirely free ofstyrene-containing graft copolymers. For example, the amount of anystyrene-containing graft copolymer preferably is about 5 weight percentor less, about 3 weight percent or less, about 2 weight percent or less,about 1.5 weight percent or less, or about 1 weight percent or less,based on the total weight of the styrene graft copolymer and thecarbonate polymer.

Environmental resistance to a chemical (e.g., test fluid) is measuredusing specimen suitable for tensile testing according to ISO 527-2/50.The specimen is pre-strained with a 1% strain and immersed in thechemical for 72 hours. The specimen is then removed and tested accordingto ISO 527-2/50. Specimen that have not been exposed to the chemical arealso tested. The tensile strength at yield, the tensile strength atfailure, the tensile modulus, the elongation at yield and the elongationat failure are measured for both the specimen exposed to the chemicaland the specimen that is not exposed to the chemical. The % retention isdetermined by taking the ratio of the value of a property of thespecimen exposed to the chemical to the value of the same property forthe specimen that was not exposed to the chemical and multiplying by100%. Compositions having poor environmental resistance may break in thetensile jig prior to testing or may have low % retention in themechanical property. Preferred compositions do not break prior totensile testing and have generally high retention in the aforementionedmechanical properties. For example, the % retention in one or anycombination of the aforementioned mechanical properties may be about 70%or more, preferably about 80% or more, more preferably about 90% ormore, and most preferably about 95% or more. The % retention of one orany combination of the aforementioned mechanical properties (tensilestrength at yield, tensile strength at failure, tensile modulus,elongation at yield, and elongation at failure) preferably is about 150%or less, about 130% or less, about 120% or less, or about 110% or less).Examples of test fluids include triglycerides (e.g., medium chaintriglycerides), alcohols (e.g., alcohols including 70% isopropyl alcoholand 30% water), Calvicide, bleach (e.g., 50% bleach solution in water),Cidex plus, and the like. Preferred compositions have good resistance tomedium chain triglycerides. For example, the composition may have goodresistance to medium chain triglycerides as well as good resistance toone or more cleaning and disinfecting fluids, typically used in hospitalsettings, selected from the group consisting of 70% isopropyl alcohol,Clavicide, 50% bleach, and Cidex plus. Preferably, the polycarbonateblend composition has good resistance to disinfectant cleaners (e.g.,disinfectant cleaners containing quaternary ammonia) such as VIREX® Tbgrade disinfectant cleaner (COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE from DIVERSEY, INC.of Wisconsin. More preferably, the composition has good resistance toboth medium chain triglycerides and to disinfectant cleaners includingquarternary ammonia (e.g., VIREX® Tb). The composition may further beresistant to etoposides (e.g., to Veposid), to Pacitaxel, toN,N-dimethylacetamide containing solutions (e.g., Busulfex withN,N-dimethylacetamide solvent), to dimethyl sulfoxide (e.g., RIMSO-50)or any combination thereof. Therefore, the composition has aparticularly useful application in exterior housings associated withmedical devices.

The compositions according to the teachings herein may be prepared as anadmixture including all of the components of the composition. As such,the composition may be provide as an admixture including all of thecomponents (e.g., in the form of polymer pellets) suitable forprocessing in typical polymer forming equipment such as employed in anextrusion process (profile extrusion, sheet extrusion, or otherwise), ina molding process, in blow molding process, in a thermoforming process,or any combination thereof. It will be appreciated that the componentsmay be provided in two or more different materials, such as in a dryblend of two or more different materials, where the final composition isprepared in a melt blending step, such as a melt blending step employinga screw and barrel assembly. For example, the melt blending step may bein an extrusion process, a blow molding process, or an injection moldingprocess. By way of illustration, pellets of a carbonate polymer may befed into a part shaping machine having a screw and barrel assembly alongwith pellets of an admixture including the other components (andoptionally including a portion of the carbonate polymer) of thecomposition. As such, the final composition may be first achieved duringmelting and blending in the screw and barrel assembly of the partshaping machine as the pellets of the two or more different materialsmove along the screw and barrel assembly.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can beseen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein alsocontemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight.Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of arange in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of samerecited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 is prepared by melt blending a linear polycarbonate ofbisphenol A having a melt flow rate of about 10 g/10 min as measuredaccording to ISO 1133 at 300° C./1.2 kg, with IRGANOX® 1076 antioxidantand UVINUL® 3030 stabilizer as shown in Table 1. The composition wasformed in to plaques having a thickness of about 2 mm. Tensile specimenare prepared from the plaques for testing according to ISO 527-2/50. Tenof the specimen are prestrained with a bending strain of 1% and immersedin MCT-A medium chain triglyceride fluid for 3 days. After 3 days, theimmersed specimens are removed from the fluid and tested according toISO 527-2/50. Specimens that have not been exposed to the fluid are alsotested. The tensile test results are shown in Table 1.

MCT-A is a medium chain triglyceride from CRAYHON RESEARCH as ULTRA PUREMCT OIL and is based on coconut. The concentration of caproic acid (C6)is 2% max, caprylic acid (C8) is 65-80%, capric acid (C10) is 23-33%,and C12 or above is 2.5% max. The concentration of C8-C10 is 95% min.

Example 2 is prepared and tested using the same process as Example 1,except the composition also includes VERSIFY™ 3401 and AMPLIFY™ EA 101,both commercially available from DOW CHEMICAL CO. The composition andtensile properties are shown in Table 1.

Example 3 is prepared and tested using the same process as Example 1,except the composition also includes TRAYTUF® 8906 polyethyleneterephthalate and METABLEN® S2200 silicone-acrylic rubber (which is acore-shell rubber). The composition and tensile properties are shown inTable 1.

Example 4 is prepared and tested using the same process as Example 1,except the composition also includes VERSIFY™ 3401 and AMPLIFY™ EA 101,both commercially available from DOW CHEMICAL CO, and further includeTRAYTUF® 8906 polyethylene terephthalate and METABLEN® S2200silicone-acrylic rubber (which is a core-shell rubber). The compositionand tensile properties are shown in Table 1.

Example 5 is prepared and tested using the same process as Example 3,except the concentration of the polycarbonate is decreased and theconcentration of the silicone-acrylic rubber is increased. Thecomposition and tensile properties are shown in Table 1.

Example 6 is prepared and tested using the same process as Example 4,except the concentration of the polycarbonate is decreased and theconcentration of the silicone-acrylic rubber is increased. Thecomposition and tensile properties are shown in Table 1.

Example 6 is also tested for environmental stress cracking resistance inVIREX® Tb grade disinfectant cleaner, commercially available fromDIVERSEY, INC that includes quarternary ammonia. VIREX® Tb is adisinfect cleaner including diethylene glycol butyl ether (5-10 wt. %),n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (0.1-1.5 wt. %), and n-alkyldimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (0.1-1.5 wt. %). VIREX® Tb has apH of about 12.2 and a specific gravity of about 1.012. The samples areprestrained at 1% and immersed in the fluid for 3 days. Measurements aremade on two sets of samples with the following results: tensile yield:46.3 and 47.0 MPa; tensile strength at failure: 49.3 and 50.8 MPa,elongation at yield: 4.5 and 4.6%, elongation at failure: 161% and 175%,tensile modulus: 1945 and 1960 MPa, percent of samples breaking prior totesting: 0% and 0%. This material has good resistance to VIREX® Tb.

ESCR resistance of Example 6 is measured in Cavicide fluid. Samples areprestrained at 1% bending and immersed for 72 hours. Mechanical testingof the samples results in the following measurements: tensile yield:46.2 MPa; tensile strength at failure: 48.3 MPa, elongation at yield:4.7%, elongation at failure: 167%, tensile modulus: 1975 MPa, andpercent of samples breaking prior to testing: 0%. This material has goodresistance to Cavicide.

TABLE 1 Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 Polycarbonate Wt. % 99.65 96.15 59.65 56.3055.65 52.35 Versify 3401 Wt. % 2.40 2.40 2.40 Amplify EA 101 Wt. % 1.101.10 1.10 Antioxidant Wt. % 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 Lightstabilizer Wt. % 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 PET Wt. % 35.00 35.0035.00 35.00 Metablen S2200 Wt. % 5.00 5.00 9.00 9.00 Total Wt. % 100.0100.00 100.00 100.15 100.00 100.15 Initial Properties (not exposed tofluid) Tensile Yield MPa 60.5 54.3 57.5 52.2 51.5 48.5 Tensile Strengthat failure MPa 63.9 54.7 51.6 51.6 49.4 48.4 Elongation at Yield % 6 5.95 4.9 4.8 4.8 Elongation at Failure % 98 108 128 165 109 105 TensileModulus MPa 2265 2175 2325 2130 2115 1980 Properties after exposure toMCT fluid for 3 days with a pre-strain of 1% Tensile Yield MPa 60.5 54.132.1 52.4 25.3 44.5 Tensile Strength at failure MPa 63.9 63 32.1 53.423.2 45.3 Elongation at Yield % 6 5.9 1 4.9 4.6 4.4 Elongation atFailure % 95 101 1 170 99 87 Tensile Modulus MPa 2305 2165 2295 21551065 2010 Percent of samples 40% 0% 0% 0% 50% 0% breaking prior totesting

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising a blend of a pluralityof polymers including: a. from about 40 weight percent to about 70weight percent of one or more carbonate polymers; b. from about 10weight percent to about 45 weight percent of one or more polyesters,wherein the combined concentration of the one or more polyesters and theone or more carbonate polymers is from about 75 weight percent to about98 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition; c. acompatibilizing agent including one or more olefins, and selected fromthe group consisting of a copolymer consisting essentially of anacrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer consistingessentially of acrylic acid monomer and one or more α-olefins, anoxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer consisting essentially of oneor more alkylacrylic acid monomers and one or more α-olefins, acopolymer of maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and a graftpolymer having a backbone consisting essentially of, or consistingentirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft; wherein thefunctional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, an acrylic acid, anoxazoline, or any combination thereof; and d. one or more olefinicelastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is a multi-block homopolymerof an α-olefin or a copolymer including two or more α-olefins, whereinthe olefinic elastomer has a crystallinity of greater than 2 to 30percent; wherein the composition is resistant to hospital gradetuberculosis disinfectants.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein thetotal concentration of the olefins in the compatibilizing agent is fromabout 10 weight percent to less than 95 weight percent based on thetotal weight of the compatibilizing agent.
 3. The composition of claim2, wherein the total concentration of the two or more α-olefins of theolefinic elastomer is from 95 weight percent to 100 weight percent basedon the total weight of the olefinic elastomer.
 4. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition includes from about 0.1 weight percentto about 20 weight percent of a silicon-containing rubber, based on thetotal weight of the composition.
 5. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe polyester includes polyethylene terephthalate and the compositionincludes from about 25 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of thepolyethylene terephthalate, based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the totalconcentration of the olefins in the compatibilizing agent is from about10 weight percent to less than 95 weight percent based on the totalweight of the compatibilizing agent; the total concentration of the twoor more α-olefins of the olefinic elastomer is from 95 weight percent to100 weight percent based on the total weight of the olefinic elastomer;and the polyester includes polyethylene terephthalate and thecomposition includes from about 25 weight percent to about 45 weightpercent of the polyethylene terephthalate, based on the total weight ofthe composition.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the compositionincludes from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of asilicon-containing rubber, based on the total weight of the composition.8. A method comprising a step of contacting a surface of an article witha hospital grade tuberculosis disinfectant, wherein the article isformed of the composition of claim
 1. 9. An article having a surfacesuitable for cleaning with a hospital grade tuberculosis disinfectantwithout environmental stress cracking, wherein the article is formedfrom the composition of claim
 1. 10. A composition comprising a blend ofa plurality of polymers including: a. from about 40 weight percent toabout 70 weight percent of one or more carbonate polymers; b. from about10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of one or more polyesters,wherein the combined concentration of the one or more polyesters and theone or more carbonate polymers is from about 75 weight percent to about98 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition; c. acompatibilizing agent including one or more olefins; d. one or moreolefinic elastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is a multi-blockhomopolymer of an α-olefin or is a copolymer including two or moreα-olefins, wherein the olefinic elastomer has a crystallinity of lessthan 30 percent; and e. from about 0.1 to 20 weight percent of asilicon-containing rubber, based on the total weight of the composition;wherein the composition is resistant to hospital grade tuberculosisdisinfectants.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the totalconcentration of the olefins in the compatibilizing agent is from about10 weight percent to less than 95 weight percent based on the totalweight of the compatibilizing agent.
 12. The composition of claim 11,wherein the total concentration of the two or more α-olefins of theolefinic elastomer is from 95 weight percent to 100 weight percent basedon the total weight of the olefinic elastomer.
 13. The composition ofclaim 12, wherein the composition includes from about 0.1 weight percentto about 10 weight percent of the olefinic elastomer and about 0.1weight percent to about 10 weight percent of the compatibilizing agent,based on the total weight of the composition; and the compatibilizingagent has a crystallinity greater than 2 percent and less than 20percent.
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the polyester includespolyethylene terephthalate and the composition includes from about 25weight percent to about 45 weight percent of the polyethyleneterephthalate, based on the total weight of the composition.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 10, wherein the polyester includes polyethyleneterephthalate and the composition includes from about 25 weight percentto about 45 weight percent of the polyethylene terephthalate, based onthe total weight of the composition.
 16. The composition of claim 10,wherein the total concentration of the olefins in the compatibilizingagent is from about 10 weight percent to less than 95 weight percentbased on the total weight of the compatibilizing agent; the totalconcentration of the two or more α-olefins of the olefinic elastomer isfrom 95 weight percent to 100 weight percent based on the total weightof the olefinic elastomer; and the polyester includes polyethyleneterephthalate and the composition includes from about 25 weight percentto about 45 weight percent of the polyethylene terephthalate, based onthe total weight of the composition.
 17. A composition comprising ablend of a plurality of polymers including: a. from about 40 weightpercent to about 70 weight percent of one or more carbonate polymers; b.from about 10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of one or morepolyesters, wherein the combined concentration of the one or morepolyesters and the one or more carbonate polymers is from about 75weight percent to about 98 weight percent based on the total weight ofthe composition; c. a compatibilizing agent including one or moreolefins, and selected from the group consisting of a copolymerconsisting essentially of an acrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins,a copolymer consisting essentially of acrylic acid monomer and one ormore α-olefins, an oxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer consistingessentially of one or more alkylacrylic acid monomers and one or moreα-olefins, a copolymer of maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins,and a graft polymer having a backbone consisting essentially of, orconsisting entirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft;wherein the functional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, anacrylic acid, an oxazoline, or any combination thereof; and d. one ormore olefinic elastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is amulti-block homopolymer of an α-olefin and has a crystallinity fromgreater than 2 to 30 percent.
 18. A composition comprising a blend of aplurality of polymers including: a. from about 40 weight percent toabout 70 weight percent of one or more carbonate polymers; b. from about10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of one or more polyesters,wherein the combined concentration of the one or more polyesters and theone or more carbonate polymers is from about 75 weight percent to about98 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition; c. acompatibilizing agent including one or more olefins, and selected fromthe group consisting of a copolymer consisting essentially of anacrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer consistingessentially of acrylic acid monomer and one or more α-olefins, anoxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer consisting essentially of oneor more alkylacrylic acid monomers and one or more α-olefins, acopolymer of maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and a graftpolymer having a backbone consisting essentially of, or consistingentirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft; wherein thefunctional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, an acrylic acid, anoxazoline, or any combination thereof; and d. one or more olefinicelastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is a random copolymerincluding two or more α-olefins and has a crystallinity from greaterthan 2 to 30 percent.
 19. A composition comprising a blend of aplurality of polymers including: a. from about 40 weight percent toabout 70 weight percent of one or more carbonate polymers; b. from about10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of one or more polyesters,wherein the combined concentration of the one or more polyesters and theone or more carbonate polymers is from about 75 weight percent to about98 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition; c. acompatibilizing agent including one or more olefins, and selected fromthe group consisting of a copolymer consisting essentially of anacrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer consistingessentially of acrylic acid monomer and one or more α-olefins, anoxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer consisting essentially of oneor more alkylacrylic acid monomers and one or more α-olefins, acopolymer of maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and a graftpolymer having a backbone consisting essentially of, or consistingentirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft; wherein thefunctional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, an acrylic acid, anoxazoline, or any combination thereof; and d. one or more olefinicelastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is a multi-block homopolymerof an α-olefin or a copolymer including two or more α-olefins, whereinthe olefinic elastomer has a crystallinity of greater than 2 to 30percent; wherein a difference in crystallinity between thecompatibilizing agent and the olefinic elastomer is less than 15percent.
 20. A composition comprising a blend of a plurality of polymersincluding: a. from about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent ofone or more carbonate polymers; b. from about 10 weight percent to about45 weight percent of one or more polyesters, wherein the combinedconcentration of the one or more polyesters and the one or morecarbonate polymers is from about 75 weight percent to about 98 weightpercent based on the total weight of the composition; c. acompatibilizing agent including one or more olefins, and selected fromthe group consisting of a copolymer consisting essentially of anacrylate monomer and one or more α-olefins, a copolymer consistingessentially of acrylic acid monomer and one or more α-olefins, anoxazoline functional olefin, a copolymer consisting essentially of oneor more alkylacrylic acid monomers and one or more α-olefins, acopolymer of maleic anhydride and one or more α-olefins, and a graftpolymer having a backbone consisting essentially of, or consistingentirely of one or more α-olefins and a functional graft; wherein thefunctional graft is a maleic anhydride, an acrylate, an acrylic acid, anoxazoline, or any combination thereof; and d. one or more olefinicelastomers, wherein the olefinic elastomer is a multi-block homopolymerof an α-olefin or a copolymer including two or more α-olefins, whereinthe olefinic elastomer has a crystallinity of greater than 2 to 30percent; wherein a total amount of the polycarbonate polymer, thepolyester, the compatibilizing agent, the olefinic elastomer, anysilicone elastomer, and any additives is 90 weight percent or more. 21.The composition of claim 1, wherein the olefinic elastomer has acrystallinity of 7 to 30 percent.
 22. The composition of claim 17,wherein the composition is resistant to hospital grade tuberculosisdisinfectants.